How to Clear Snow Off a Barn Roof

Whether you get a few inches of snow at a time, or a huge storm dumps 16 inches on your home and barn, it's often best to clear the snow as it comes down, so its weight doesn't eventually damage your barn. Getting up on the barn roof and shoveling it off can be a scary proposition, so take every precaution and, if you are at all concerned about your ability to do the job, consider hiring a professional.

Shovel
Roof rake

Instructions

- 1
  Know how much weight your barn roof can handle. This is very important -- especially if you have livestock in your barn. Most barns are rated for a total roof load of 50 pounds per square foot. This figure includes rafters, ceiling and roofing. Once snow is added, the roof can quickly exceed its load abilities. Hire an engineer to give you a risk assessment if you have no idea what condition your barn is in, and how much snow it can withstand.
- 2
  Monitor the snow accumulation on your roof. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, watch your barn roof carefully. Consider also if the barn is heated, and whether or not the snow closest to the roof could turn to ice, causing other potential problems.
- 3
  Make safety a priority. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture suggests working in pairs and using a safety lines when clearing steeper pitched roofs.
- 4
  Use a roof rake with an extension pole if you can reach your roof from a ladder or from the ground. This is one of the safer ways to clear your roof.
- 5
  Climb up on the roof and use a shovel or electric snow sweeper to clear the roof.

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